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Andrea Mürau Haraway, Wanda Huber, Jenny Young, Beatriz Fuentes-Anderson, and Jessica Cinco

Do you work in finance or interact with finance professionals? Is it necessary to speak, write or understand English in your career? Follow the authentic characters in this course as they work through common business situations in finance and economics. Learn from your successes and failure, and think critically about your own communication options. After taking this course, you will be able to read and create efficient e-mails, reports, and impactful presentations with words and phrases commonly used in finance and economics. Communicate clearly under pressure utilizing recently learned strategies, and obtain immediate feedback about the efficiency of your business communication skills in English from other finance professionals around the world! Gain the English communication skills that you desire and that global managers expect.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Budgeting
While in the budgeting process, Catherine asks managers to keep their expenses flat. Jake, however, ignores this request believing he can increase sales by spending more on promotions. How do you think Catherine handles this situation? In this week, you’ll watch Catherine and Jake talk about his budget. You’ll observe how she uses questions to help Jake think of ways to meet both of their needs. After completing this week, you’ll be able to form questions that lead to open and honest conversations and produce positive results.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Taught by recognized industry professionals in finance and economics
Develops communication skills that are expected by global managers
Develops foundational skills in business communication for finance and economics professionals
Provides immediate feedback from other finance professionals around the world
Requires work experience or career interests in finance and economics
Assumes English proficiency as a medium of instruction

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Reviews summary

Business english for finance professionals

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive experience, providing useful vocabulary and language specifically within a practical finance and economics context. Students appreciate the clear explanations and the focus on real-world business situations encountered in roles like budgeting, forecasting, and auditing, finding the structured content easy to follow. Many reviewers note it's valuable for professionals seeking to improve their communication skills in these specific fields. The exercises are considered helpful for reinforcing learning. However, a few mention it might be too basic for those already advanced in both English and finance/economics, suggesting it's best suited for intermediate learners.
Best for intermediate English learners
"Great for intermediate English speakers looking to specialize their vocabulary."
"Probably too easy if you already have advanced English proficiency."
"Requires a basic understanding of finance concepts to fully grasp the context."
"If you're a beginner in English or finance, it might be a bit challenging to keep up."
Practice activities reinforce learning
"The exercises provided really helped solidify the vocabulary and concepts learned."
"Quizzes and assignments tested my understanding well and reinforced key points."
"Enjoyed the practice activities that allowed me to apply what I learned."
"Found the exercises useful for practicing the specific language patterns taught."
Well-organized and easy to follow content
"The weekly modules were well-structured and progressed logically."
"Content is clear, concise, and easy to digest, even when discussing complex topics."
"The course flows logically from one topic to the next, building on previous weeks."
"Each week builds nicely on the last, making the learning process smooth."
Covers real-world business situations
"The dialogues and scenarios presented in the videos felt very realistic and applicable."
"Liked how the course covered different situations like budgeting, forecasting, and purchasing meetings."
"Found the purchasing negotiation week particularly useful with its focus on practical communication."
"The course effectively applies language to common business situations finance professionals face daily."
Provides specific terms for finance/econ
"I learned a lot of useful vocabulary specific to finance and economics."
"Helped me understand financial terms and phrases commonly used in meetings and reports."
"Provides practical language for common tasks like reporting and budgeting."
"The course expanded my lexicon significantly in this area, which is very beneficial for my job."
Tailored for working professionals
"This course is highly relevant for my job in the finance industry."
"Recommended for anyone working in a financial or economics role who needs to communicate in English."
"Provides practical tips directly applicable to my professional life and career development."
"Definitely helps improve confidence and clarity when communicating in a business setting."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Business English: Finance and Economics with these activities:
Brush up on algebra
Review basic algebra skills to strengthen mathematical foundation for finance concepts.
Browse courses on Algebra
Show steps
  • Identify areas for improvement
  • Find resources for algebra review
  • Practice algebra problems
  • Complete practice tests or quizzes
Online tutorials on financial concepts
Watch and follow online tutorials to supplement course materials and enhance understanding of financial concepts.
Browse courses on Finance
Show steps
  • Search for reputable tutorials
  • Watch and take notes on the tutorials
  • Review the tutorials and complete any exercises
Study group
Join a study group to discuss course topics, share knowledge, and improve understanding through collaboration.
Show steps
  • Find or form a study group
  • Set regular meeting times
  • Prepare for and participate in study group discussions
  • Review and discuss course materials
  • Work together on assignments or projects
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice questions
Complete practice questions to improve understanding of financial concepts and principles.
Browse courses on Financial Modeling
Show steps
  • Identify areas for improvement
  • Search for practice questions
  • Attempt practice questions
  • Review solutions and explanations
Financial presentation
Prepare and deliver a financial presentation to demonstrate understanding and communication skills in a business context.
Browse courses on Financial Analysis
Show steps
  • Choose a topic and develop a presentation outline
  • Conduct research and gather data
  • Create visual aids and slides
  • Practice and refine the presentation
  • Deliver the presentation to an audience
Case study analysis
Analyze real-world case studies to apply financial principles and develop problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on Financial Analysis
Show steps
  • Identify a relevant case study
  • Read and analyze the case study
  • Develop a solution to the case
  • Present or share your analysis
Financial modeling project
Build a financial model to apply and integrate financial concepts and techniques.
Browse courses on Financial Modeling
Show steps
  • Define the project scope and objectives
  • Gather and analyze financial data
  • Build the financial model
  • Test and validate the model
  • Present the results and insights

Career center

Learners who complete Business English: Finance and Economics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts help companies make informed financial decisions. They analyze data to make recommendations on investments, budgeting, and other financial matters. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as financial modeling, data analysis, and communication. The course also provides insights into the financial industry, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.
Investment Banker
Investment Bankers help companies raise capital and advise them on mergers and acquisitions. They need to have a strong understanding of financial markets and be able to communicate effectively with clients. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as financial modeling, valuation, and negotiation. The course also provides insights into the investment banking industry, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.
Commercial Banker
Commercial Bankers provide financial services to businesses. They help businesses with their day-to-day banking needs, such as making loans and managing cash flow. They also provide advice on financial matters. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as financial analysis, credit analysis, and relationship management. The course also provides insights into the commercial banking industry, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.
Auditor
Auditors examine financial records to ensure that they are accurate and compliant with regulations. They also provide advice on internal controls and risk management. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as auditing procedures, financial analysis, and communication. The course also provides insights into the auditing industry, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.
Financial Planner
Financial Planners help individuals and families manage their finances. They provide advice on investments, retirement planning, and estate planning. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as financial planning, investment management, and communication. The course also provides insights into the financial planning industry, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.
Actuary
Actuaries use mathematics and statistics to assess risk and uncertainty. They work in a variety of industries, including insurance, finance, and healthcare. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as probability, statistics, and financial modeling. The course also provides insights into the actuarial profession, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.
Economist
Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They use their knowledge to advise businesses and governments on economic policy. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as economic analysis, data analysis, and communication. The course also provides insights into the economics profession, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analysts study consumer behavior to help businesses understand their target market. They use their findings to develop marketing campaigns and strategies. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as research methods, data analysis, and communication. The course also provides insights into the market research industry, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.
Business Consultant
Business Consultants help businesses improve their performance. They provide advice on a variety of topics, such as strategy, operations, and finance. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. The course also provides insights into the consulting industry, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.
Financial Crime Investigator
Financial Crime Investigators investigate financial crimes, such as fraud, money laundering, and terrorist financing. They work with law enforcement agencies and financial institutions to track down and prosecute criminals. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as financial analysis, investigation techniques, and communication. The course also provides insights into the financial crime investigation field, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.
Risk Manager
Risk Managers identify and assess risks that could affect an organization. They develop and implement strategies to mitigate these risks. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as risk assessment, risk management, and communication. The course also provides insights into the risk management profession, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.
Insurance Underwriter
Insurance Underwriters assess the risk of insuring individuals and businesses. They determine the terms and conditions of insurance policies and set premiums. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as risk assessment, underwriting, and communication. The course also provides insights into the insurance industry, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officers ensure that organizations comply with laws and regulations. They develop and implement compliance programs and monitor compliance activities. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as compliance auditing, regulatory knowledge, and communication. The course also provides insights into the compliance profession, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. They use their findings to identify trends, patterns, and insights. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as data analysis, data visualization, and communication. The course also provides insights into the data analytics profession, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.
Statistician
Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses and organizations make informed decisions. They use their findings to draw conclusions about populations and to make predictions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as statistical analysis, data visualization, and communication. The course also provides insights into the statistics profession, which can be helpful for anyone who wants to work in this field.

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Business English: Finance and Economics.
Style guide for writing about business and economics. It provides guidance on everything from grammar and punctuation to tone and style. It good resource for students who want to learn how to write effectively about business and economics.
Classic book on investing. It provides guidance on how to invest wisely and avoid common pitfalls. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the basics of investing.
Classic book on security analysis. It provides guidance on how to analyze stocks and other securities. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the basics of security analysis.
Guide to common sense investing. It provides guidance on how to invest wisely and avoid common pitfalls. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the basics of investing.
Classic book on personal finance. It provides guidance on how to save money, invest money, and achieve financial success. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the basics of personal finance.
Guide to getting out of debt and achieving financial freedom. It provides guidance on how to create a budget, save money, and invest money. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the basics of getting out of debt and achieving financial freedom.
Classic textbook on investments. It covers all the major topics in investments, from asset allocation to risk management. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the basics of investments.
Classic textbook on macroeconomics. It covers all the major topics in macroeconomics, from economic growth to inflation. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the basics of macroeconomics.
Classic textbook on microeconomics. It covers all the major topics in microeconomics, from consumer behavior to market structure. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the basics of microeconomics.
Textbook on econometrics. It covers all the major topics in econometrics, from regression analysis to time series analysis. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the basics of econometrics.
Classic textbook on finance. It covers all the major topics in finance, from corporate finance to investments. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the basics of finance.
More advanced textbook on corporate finance. It covers topics such as capital budgeting, capital structure, and mergers and acquisitions. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the advanced topics in corporate finance.

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